Nancy, a mother of three who was 61 years old and still sad, had brought her son Henry’s favourite apple and cinnamon pie to his grave every year for 23 years to honour his memory. This year, something out of the blue changed everything.
Every year, Nancy carefully baked the pie while thinking about the fun times they had baking together. The smell made her think of Henry’s youth. She would put the pie on his grave and talk about memories and stories with him, hoping that the ritual would bring her comfort.
When Nancy came back the next day, the pie was gone, but there was a note that said, “Thank you.” She went from being sad to being interested. Someone must have taken Henry’s pie.
Nancy baked another pie and hid behind an oak tree nearby because she was determined to find out the truth. A young boy named Jimmy walked up to the grave with reluctance. Writing “Thank you” on a piece of paper, his shaky hand showed that he was having a hard time.
Nancy’s anger went away and was replaced by kindness. Jimmy was hungry and had nowhere to stay. He wasn’t a thief; he was a survivor. She came out from where she was hidden, and Jimmy, who was scared, said he was sorry a lot.
It made Nancy feel better, so she called Jimmy into her kitchen to bake him a new pie. Jim’s eyes were filled with hope as they walked. Nancy had a goal for the first time in a long time.
Nancy baked in her cosy kitchen while Jimmy stood and watched. The smell filled the room, and Jimmy savoured every bite with his eyes shining. “This is the best pie I’ve ever had!” Nancy cried because she saw happiness she hadn’t seen in years.
When Jimmy finished the last piece, Nancy realised that her sadness had led her to something beautiful: a link and a reason to live. Maybe Henry’s memory led her to Jimmy, showing her that love and kindness could get through hard times.
Nancy felt overwhelmed with thanks as she found comfort in their unexpected connection.
